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West VirginiaHB 52122026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Relating to financial aid for post-secondary education.

Sponsored By: Joe Ellington (Republican)

Signed by Governor

§18B-3D-1§18B-3D-2§18B-3D-3§18B-3D-4§18B-3D-5§18B-3D-6§18C-3-1§18C-3-3§18C-5-6§18C-5-7§18C-7-6§18C-9-3§18C-9-5

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

7 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 3 mixed.

Loan help for health providers

The state repays student loans for health professionals who serve in underserved areas. Awards are at least $20,000 for medical and dental providers and at least $10,000 for other eligible health fields. You must agree to serve at least two years, or teach for two years for certain nursing master’s students. The Commission pays your federal loan servicer after you complete the service.

Loan help for mental health

Mental health providers who live in West Virginia and work in underserved areas get loan repayment. The program pays up to $10,000 per year for up to three years, with a $30,000 maximum. Payments go straight to your federal loan servicer.

Medical student loans with service forgiveness

Medical students at WVU, Marshall, and WVSOM can borrow up to $20,000 per year, renewable for up to four years, with priority for West Virginia residents. You must get a West Virginia medical license and start full‑time practice in an approved service area within nine months after residency and licensure. Each 12 months of qualifying service cancels one year of loan award. If you fail the service, you must repay the remaining loan plus interest. Payments start six months after the failure and the term cannot exceed 10 years.

PROMISE awards and stay-in-state rule

Each year, a PROMISE award equals the lesser of your tuition or $4,750. It can be higher if funds allow, but never more than tuition. You must file the FAFSA and meet residency and academic progress rules. The Commission may require you to repay some or all of the scholarship if you choose to work outside West Virginia after graduation. This only applies if you were told in writing about repayment before you first accepted the award.

Grants for short-term job training

The state offers grants for short programs (12 months or less) that lead to in-demand jobs. You must apply for federal aid, show financial need, be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, and live in West Virginia for at least 12 months. You must be making satisfactory academic progress and not be in loan default. Awards can renew until you finish, but not more than three extra years. The Higher Education Policy Commission must file program rules by October 1, 2026.

Paid internships and training grants

The state funds workforce training at community and technical colleges. Colleges can create new programs, buy specialized equipment, and run short trainings tied to employer needs. The Learn and Earn program pays 50% of an intern’s base wages when employers match the other 50%. Up to 5% of funds cover administration, and unspent money carries forward. The old Learn and Earn statute is repealed, and new rules must be filed by October 1, 2026 to run these programs.

WV Invests grants and two-year stay

WV Invests grants help pay tuition when you enroll at least six credits per semester and meet progress rules. You must be a U.S. citizen or legal resident, live in West Virginia for at least one year before applying, and file the FAFSA. You can receive up to six full-time equivalent semesters over your lifetime. You must agree to repay if you live outside West Virginia within two years after you finish or stop enrolling, with deferments for half‑time study, military service, disability, or other approved exemptions.

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Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Joe Ellington

    Republican • House

Cosponsors

  • Jeff Campbell

    Republican • House

  • Michael Hornby

    Republican • House

  • D. Rolland Jennings

    Republican • House

  • Phil Mallow

    Republican • House

  • Carl Martin

    Republican • House

  • George Miller

    Republican • House

  • Andy Shamblin

    Republican • House

  • Doug Smith

    Republican • House

  • Joe Statler

    Republican • House

  • Christopher W. Toney

    Republican • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 224 • No: 1

House vote • 3/14/2026

House concurred in Senate amendment and passed bill (Roll No. 671)

Yes: 96 • No: 0

Senate vote • 3/13/2026

Passed Senate (Roll No. 561)

Yes: 33 • No: 0

House vote • 2/20/2026

Passed House (Roll No. 150)

Yes: 95 • No: 1

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by Governor 4/1/2026

    4/1/2026House

  2. To Governor 3/25/26

    3/25/2026House

  3. House received Senate message

    3/14/2026House

  4. House concurred in Senate amendment and passed bill (Roll No. 671)

    3/14/2026House

  5. Communicated to Senate

    3/14/2026House

  6. Completed legislative action

    3/14/2026House

  7. House Message received

    3/14/2026Senate

  8. To Governor 3/25/2026 - Senate Journal

    3/14/2026Senate

  9. Approved by Governor 4/1/2026 - Senate Journal

    3/14/2026Senate

  10. Approved by Governor 4/1/2026 - House Journal

    3/14/2026House

  11. On 3rd reading

    3/13/2026Senate

  12. Read 3rd time

    3/13/2026Senate

  13. Passed Senate (Roll No. 561)

    3/13/2026Senate

  14. Senate requests House to concur

    3/13/2026Senate

  15. On 2nd reading

    3/12/2026Senate

  16. Read 2nd time

    3/12/2026Senate

  17. Education com. amendments adopted (Voice vote)

    3/12/2026Senate

  18. Reported do pass, as amended by Education

    3/11/2026Senate

  19. Immediate consideration

    3/11/2026Senate

  20. Read 1st time

    3/11/2026Senate

  21. Reported do pass, with amendments, but first to Finance

    3/4/2026Senate

  22. To Finance

    3/4/2026Senate

  23. Introduced in Senate

    2/21/2026Senate

  24. To Education then Finance

    2/21/2026Senate

  25. To Education

    2/21/2026Senate

Bill Text

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